CALGARY – University of Calgary men's hockey coach Mark Howell announced Tuesday that former NHLers Cory Cross and Brad Isbister will join the Dinos coaching staff for the 2009-10 varsity season.

Cross, who played varsity hockey with Howell at the University of Alberta in the early 1990s, will be the team's full-time assistant this season and work primarily with the defencemen, while Isbister will work with the forwards.

“I know our players are really excited about having these guys around, and having two former NHLers will bring credibility to our program and our players,” said Howell. “Not only have they both played in the NHL, but they have both played internationally as well and so they understand what we have in front of us as far as playing on the big ice at Father David Bauer.

“It's not just about having former NHLers. They're both very sincere about this, about being around and teaching our guys, and helping our players.”

Cross and Isbister bring 23 years of National Hockey League experience between them. After a three-year career with the Golden Bears, Cross spent three seasons with the Atlanta Knights of the International Hockey League, making his NHL debut with Tampa Bay in the 1993-94 season. He stayed with the Lightning until 1999 before moving to Toronto for three seasons. He also made stops in New York, Edmonton, and Pittsburgh before playing his final NHL season with the Detroit Red Wings in 2005-06.

After a year in Hamburg, Germany, Cross retired and moved to Kelowna, where he became a partner in an oil and gas servicing company. He worked with Howell part-time with the BJHL's Westside Warriors, which made the transition to the University of Calgary a natural one.

“I have always wanted to get into coaching, and when Mark got the job (in Calgary) we spoke about the possibility of me helping out,” said the Lloydminster, Alta. native. “It will definitely be different being on the Calgary side of the Battle of Alberta, but this is a great opportunity to get a foot in the coaching door.”

“I've known Cory for 15 years, since we played together at the U of A,” said Howell, who was hired in June 2009. “He's very passionate about hockey, and he understands the whole university scheme and the importance of not only development but also getting a good education. Having someone I was comfortable with was important, and having seen him work with other players I know he's a great communicator and will do a great job with our guys.”

Brad Isbister retired after spending the 2008-09 season with Zug in the Swiss league. A native of Edmonton, the 6-foot-4 left winger broke into the NHL with the Phoenix Coyotes in 1997. His longest stint came with the New York Islanders from 1999 until 2003, when he was traded to his hometown Oilers. After single seasons with Boston and the New York Rangers, Isbister saw his last NHL action in 2007-08, playing 55 games with the Vancouver Canucks.

“Brad kind of fell into our laps when we found out he was retiring,” said Howell. “He doesn't have as much coaching experience, but he has proven that he can score and play at a high level and our guys are going to respect that, for sure.”

The Dinos hit the ice at the SAIT Eyeopener tournament Sept. 25-26, followed a week later by a three-game non-conference swing through Colorado, where they will take on Colorado College, Denver, and Air Force.

It all begins for real when Howell will take on his former team and alma mater, the University of Alberta Golden Bears, in a home-and-home series that opens Friday, Oct. 9 at Father David Bauer Arena.

-UC-